What does a CHA2DS2-VASc score include?

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a clinical tool used to assess the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation by considering various risk factors. The score is designed to help guide anticoagulation therapy decision-making. It includes several components:

• C for Congestive heart failure (indicating the presence of heart failure).

• H for Hypertension (high blood pressure).

• A2 for Age over 75 years (with an additional point added if the patient is ≥75).

• D for Diabetes mellitus.

• S2 for prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).

• V for Vascular disease (including previous myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, or aortic plaque).

• A for Age between 65 and 74 years (adding one point).

• Sc for female sex, which adds a point as an additional risk factor.

Therefore, the inclusion of heart failure, hypertension, and age directly aligns with the criteria outlined in the CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system. This emphasis on heart failure and hypertension underlines their significance in increasing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, reinforcing the